Method and means for setting a pole

ABSTRACT

A method and assembly for setting a pole having a container with an opening in a top, side wall and bottom to form a hollow chamber that receives a predetermined amount of concrete. Extending inwardly from the bottom wall and aligned with the opening is a knob. Water is added to the container and mixed with the concrete. A pole is inserted through the opening and is slidably received on the knob to center the pole as the concrete sets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to setting poles. More specifically this invention relates to a method and device for setting a pole or post, such as a fence post, and assembly for implementing the same.

Placing posts or poles into the ground have many applications. For instance, when fences are constructed workers must dig post holes in the ground to set one of the poles or posts of the fence into the ground. Often concrete is used and poured into the hole to set the position of the pole. Telephone poles, signs, flag poles and the like use similar methods to secure the pole in the ground. One problem with this approach is that the post or pole will not be centered in the hole or straight. Additionally, in order to mix the concrete and properly set a pole within a hole is time consuming and messy.

Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a method and means that address these deficiencies.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method and assembly for setting a pole that is quick and easy.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and assembly that helps center the pole.

A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a method and means for setting a pole that is relatively mess free.

These and other objects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the specification and claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and assembly for setting a pole having a container with an opening in a top, side wall and bottom to form a hollow chamber that receives a predetermined amount of concrete. Extending inwardly from the bottom wall and aligned with the opening is a knob. Water is added to the container and mixed with the concrete. A pole is inserted through the opening and is slidably received on the knob to center the pole as the concrete sets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cut away perspective view of a pole setting device; and

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a pole setting device with a pole disposed therethrough in a hole in the ground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the Figures, a pole setting assembly 10 includes a hollow container 12. The container is of any shape and size. In a preferred embodiment the container 12 has a neck portion 14 that terminates into a tapered/arcuate side wall 16. The side wall 16 terminates in an end wall or bottom 18 to form a hollow chamber 20. To provide rigidity, a plurality of ribs 17 extend around the exterior of the side wall 16. The bottom wall 18 has a knob or pedestal 21 that extends inwardly into the chamber 20 and is aligned with opening 26. The knob 21 is used to assist in centering a post 32. Disposed within the chamber 20 of the container 12 is a predetermined amount of concrete 22.

The neck 14 of the container preferably has a diameter that receives a post with only a small amount of leeway from the inner surface of the neck to the outer surface of the post. In addition, the knob 21 is preferably sized such that the post comfortably slides over the knob 21. Fitted to the neck 14 in any conventional manner such as mating threads is a cap 24 that seals opening 26 in the neck 14.

To set a pole using the pole setting device 10 one digs a hole 28 in the ground 30. For a pole 32 of standard size a hole 28 twenty-four inches deep with a ten inch diameter is preferred. A portion of the predetermined amount of concrete 22 is poured into a separate bucket 34 for later use leaving preferably about ⅓ of the original amount of concrete 22 in the container. Water is added to the container 12 and the cap 24 is placed on the neck 14 so that the container 12 can be shaken to mix the water with the concrete 22.

Once mixed, the cap 24 is removed and the container 12 is placed in the hole 28. The pole 32 is then inserted into the container 12 through opening 26 in the neck 14 such that the pole slides over knob 21. In this way, as the concrete 22 sets, the pole 32 is centered within the container 12 and supported by the neck 14, knob 21, and concrete 22.

To finish setting the pole 32, dirt 36 from the hole is spread over the top of the container 12 preferably to the top of the neck 14 and the remaining concrete 22 from the bucket 34 is spread over the dirt 36 and tamped down. Water is then poured over the dirt 36 and concrete 20 so that the concrete will set.

Thus, a method and assembly has been shown for setting a pole that is quick and easy, assists in centering the pole, is relatively mess free, and at the very least meets all the stated objectives.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without the parting from the spirit in scope of this invention. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby. 

1. A method of setting a pole, comprising the steps of: providing a container having an opening and a hollow chamber where a predetermined amount of concrete is disposed within the chamber; adding water to the container and mixing the water with the concrete; and inserting a pole through the opening such that the concrete mixture sets around the pole.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of pouring a portion of the concrete into a separate bucket.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the steps of digging a hole in the ground and placing the container in the hole.
 4. The method of claim 3 further comprising the steps of covering the container in the hole with dirt and the concrete from the bucket.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of sliding the pole over a knob that extends inwardly within the chamber.
 6. A pole setting assembly comprising: a container having an opening at one end, a side wall, and a bottom wall to form a hollow chamber; the sidewall having a plurality of ribs; a knob extending inwardly from the bottom wall and in alignment with the opening; and a pole disposed through the opening and slidably received over the knob.
 7. (canceled)
 8. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the container has a neck that forms the opening.
 9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein a cap is secured to the neck to seal the opening.
 10. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the diameter opening is slightly greater than the diameter of the pole. 